Mary Winkler Guilty of Lesser Charge
A jury of ten women and two men found Mary Winkler guilty of voluntary manslaughter in the shotgun shooting death of her husband, the minister of the Fourth Street Church of Christ in Selmer, Tennessee. Under state law, a conviction of voluntary manslaughter carries a sentence of three to six years, with parole possible after serving 30 percent of the sentence.
The jury deliberated about eight hours before returning one of five verdicts they could have chosen, from first-degree murder to criminal endangerment.
Prosecutors were seeking a first-degree murder conviction for the March 2006 death of Matthew Winkler, who was shot in the back as he lay in bed in the church parsonage. They claimed Mary Winkler killed her husband because he was about to find out about a scam that she had become involved with, destroying the family finances.
Mary took the witness stand herself to tell the jury about the psychological, physical and sexual abuse that she endured from her husband. She said she was forced to watch pornography and then dress and act like the characters she saw on the Internet porn sites.
Her attorneys believe her testimony made a difference in the verdict.
"They heard Mary being Mary," defense attorney Leslie Ballin said at a press conference. "When it's said and done, we were looking at a 51-year sentence. Now we're looking at a three to six year sentence. That's not half bad."
Mary will remain free on bond until her sentencing on May 18.
Background:
The Trial of Mary Winkler
Forum:
Discuss The Winkler Case
See Also:
Mary Winkler Guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter
Defense Attorney Says Winkler Testimony Made Difference
Comments
This is another case of a “White Woman” getting away, actually with “Murder”. They put a plain little dress on her and make her look as if she wouldn’t hurt a fly. And put the victim on trial! She shot the man in the back while he was asleep, where was the threat to her person. That she feared enough to drive her to kill him. Until the country realizes that “White Womne” are just as capable of planning out a killing. They will continue to kill their husbands and children, and get away with it. Change the color of the skin and and the dress and you would of had a “Convicted” murder today. They made a “Joke” of this man, his life and his “Murder”.She had too many reasons for me, he was trying to smother her daugther, he made her role play to have sex, he was abusive, they drug up everything they could fine. And to me none say “Why? She killed him while he was laying down, during nothing to her. Well she is not the frist and she won’t be the last “White” female to play her way out of a “Murder” conviction..
Six years of jail is not bad at all, I hope it doesn’t give other ministers’ wives ideas. On the other hand, she is a christian and her sins are forgiven anyway, so who really cares. Don’t pass judgement on her. Fercho.
Mary Winkler…this precious woman is a timeless example of a wife abused by an abusive husband and religious system. (Just for the record, Mr. Winkler was not murdered as he slept.) It’s easy for others to gossip and second-guess, but keep in mind that many, many women and children are living in these same circumstances and are helpless to break free. They don’t need our judgment or criticism; they do need our help and compassion and enough of our attention to look beyond the surface and see what’s really going on. As a minister’s wife and the in-law of a family very prominent in church government, who could Mary go to for help? I’m sorry to say that this is just one of many episodes we’ll see as God cleans up the Church and indeed, all in ministry. There will be more and yes, we’ll be shocked, but we’re living in a day that God simply won’t tolerate religious oppression and bondage, the lies and deceit, and let’s call it what it is, filth, any longer. I can only pray the Lord’s very best for Mary and her beautiful daughters and I sincerely believe that she will one day use all this to minister to others for His glory. Be encouraged, Mary; God still has a wonderful plan for your life.
She is hot!